Mammal

Harp Seal Facts

Pagophilus groenlandicus

MammalCarnivore

The harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus), also known as the saddleback seal or Greenland seal, is a species of earless seal, or true seal, native to the northernmost Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean.

Diet: The White Sea population migrates northward in the summer to forage extensively in the Barents Sea.

Harp Seal Facts at a Glance

The harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus), also known as the saddleback seal or Greenland seal, is a species of earless seal, or true seal, native to the northernmost Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean.

It belongs to the family Phocidae in the order Carnivora. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

What Do Harp Seals Eat?

Harp Seals have a carnivore diet that includes The White Sea population migrates northward in the summer to forage extensively in the Barents Sea.. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.

Harp Seal Conservation Status

Harp Seal is listed here as Near Threatened. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Diet: Carnivore
Weight: 132,250 g

Fun facts

Breeding occurs between mid-February and April.
Courtship peaks during mid-March and involves males performing underwater displays, using bubbles, vocalizations, and paw movements to court females.
In order to cope with the shock of a rapid change in environmental temperature and undeveloped blubber layers, the pup relies on solar heating, and behavioural responses such as shivering or seeking warmth in the shade or even water.